South African pop artist Tyla appeared on Apple Music Radio’s The Ebro Show on 23 July to discuss her sophomore album A*POP, her journey from a bedroom singer to global recognition, and the complexities of representing African pop on the world stage.
From South Africa to the World
Reflecting on her rapid rise, Tyla said she could never have predicted the path her life has taken. “Everything from the good times to the bad times, it was really a story,” she told host Ebro Darden. “I remember just being in South Africa, simple life, no drama, just me, my siblings, my family, making videos and singing. My life completely changed to now being in front of the world, opinions.”
She described the experience as a learning curve that ultimately strengthened her. “I love the fact that I experienced what I did because I really feel like a strong woman internally,” she said. “I came in very green, with an innocent idea of the industry. It is rainbows and singing, but you also have to be strong-minded to stay yourself. Right now I’m the most confident I’ve ever been, I’m strong, I’m excited, I’m at peace.”
Navigating Identity on a Global Stage
Tyla addressed the challenges of explaining her identity as a South African coloured woman to international audiences. She recalled the backlash she faced after a previous interview, saying, “Prior to the Breakfast Club I did answer that question and already I started getting backlash. I was like, ‘Whoa, I don’t know what else to say.’ I never had to explain myself before.”
She noted that travelling the world helped her understand how context shapes meaning. “In South Africa we also have a derogatory term, so I get why it would be triggering. I think it was a very important thing for me to go through and learn, and for the conversations to just open up.”
Defining A*POP
Tyla described her new album A*POP as an effort to broaden the definition of an African pop star. “A*POP is literally me trying to extend the idea of what an African pop star looks like, what an African pop star sounds like,” she said. “Sometimes when you’re from somewhere you’re expected to look a certain way or sound a certain way. I’ve seen things where they’re like, ‘Oh, Tyla’s not African enough,’ and I’m like, what is African enough? It feels like we’ve frozen in time with that type of ideology.”
She added that the album showcases her diverse influences. “I’m really excited to show just how diverse I am and how I grew up around so many different influences. With A*POP, it’s really just that: I bring the A to pop.”
Staying True at 24
Asked whether she worries about public perception, Tyla said she tries to remain honest and unfiltered. “I’m opinionated and blunt. Where I’m from, the way we are, we just talk. Things aren’t that serious. We don’t know how to watch your words. We’re human, guys, relax.”
She acknowledged that her team often urges caution. “My managers, they always try to shackle me. They’re like, ‘Tyla, put your phone down. Stop making videos, stop talking.’ And I probably should listen to them because I get into a lot of… But I just think it’s more interesting. I still want to be a 24-year-old girl. I don’t want being a pop star to stop my life and make me feel like I’m in jail.”
